Upcoming events (posted March 7, 2013)

Published March 7, 2013 at 4:26 pm

New to Medicare session

Going on Medicare soon or just interested in how it works? There will be information on Medicare given out during sessions at Fairview Lakes Medical Center, conference room B, as well as questions answered. Aspects of Medicare Parts A, B, C and D will be covered, as well as information on supplemental insurance to Medicare and how to report Medicare fraud and abuse. There is no cost to these sessions, but registration is required so the proper amount of materials are available. Those interested in attending should call Amy Tvedt at 1-800-333-2433 ext. 83026 and leave their name and phone number.

Almelund seniors will meet at Amador town hall March 8, 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the afternoon of cards and social time.

Maple syrup-collecting workshop

A maple syrup-collecting workshop has been planned at Wild River State Park March 9, 10, 17, 23 and 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet at the visitor center.

As the warmer days and cooler nights begin to make the sap run, it’s time to tap the trees. A limit of 30 participants per date are welcome to learn in-depth and hands-on aspects about the basics of maple syrup collecting through this small-group workshop-style experience. Bring a lunch and enjoy the afternoon. Registration is required. Call 651-583-2125 x227 to sign up for the class.

Animal tracks program

The North Branch Area Library, 6355 379th St., will host a “Minnesota Animal Tracks” kids program March 11, 2 to 3 p.m.

This one-hour session presented by Saint John’s Arboretum will include learning about tracks through storytelling, activities and creating a personal field guide of Minnesota animal tracks kids can take home. The event is intended for children ages 3 to 11.

CIWC Luncheon

The Cambridge-Isanti Women’s Connection will hold its monthly luncheon March 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Spectacular Events in Isanti. This month’s guest speaker is Milly Kelly, of Owatonna, who will share her topic “Healing for a Handicapped Heart.” The day will also showcase Drummond Farms Alpacas with Leslie Peterson, of Afton. Kelly will provide music.

All women from Cambridge, Isanti, Braham, North Branch, St. Francis, East Bethel and surrounding areas are invited to attend. Lunch will be served for $10 (payable at the door) and free childcare is available upon request. To reserve a place and lunch, call Linda at 763-552-0801.

North Branch Auxiliary

The North Branch American Legion Post 85 Auxiliary will have a meeting March 12, 7 p.m. at the home of Mary Lewis. If anyone needs directions or has questions, they can contact Auxiliary President Roberta Elmstrand at 651-674-7210.

Parenting plus

All grandparents/kinship givers who are raising grandchildren/relative’s children are invited to a support group meeting March 12, 6:30 p.m. in room No. 110 at Pine City Elementary School. Enter Door No. 5 by the Dragonwood Playground. Free childcare is available. Call 320-629-4030 to sign up for childcare or for more information.

Audubon program

Wild River Audubon is hosting a program on waterfowl identification March 12, 7 p.m. at Chisago Lakes Area Library. Brad Schultz, retired Minnesota DNR conservation officer, will present a slideshow to help participants identify Minnesota waterfowl. This is a very timely presentation since waterfowl begin to return to Minnesota as the ice melts. Coffee and treats will be provided. This is a free program.

Spring book sale

Stop by the meeting room at the Cambridge Public Library March 14, 4 to 8 p.m., March 15, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and March 16, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and browse the collection of donated and discarded adult, teen and children’s materials.

Hard cover books are 50 cents each and soft cover books are 25 cents each. On March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the library will have its annual $2 bag sale. Bring a grocery bag and fill it up for $2. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new materials for all East Central Regional Library branches.

Crex Meadows dinner

The endowment benefit dinner for Crex Meadows, located near Grantsburg, Wis., will be March 16, 6 to 9 p.m. (cost & pre-registration required). The endowment fund is to provide a perpetual source of funding for the wildlife education and wildlife management programs. A meal is planned, which includes a vegetarian option. The evening speaker is Sparky Stensaas, author, naturalist, photographer, publisher, and writer. His program, “Owls to Orchids: Magic and Mystery in Our Northern Bogs,” will unravel the myths of bogs in discovering the unique and awesome creatures found within.

For more information about Crex Meadows and events, call 715-463-2739, visit www.crexmeadows.org or find Crex Meadows on Facebook.

French toast breakfast

The North Branch Lioness Club is planning a French toast breakfast March 17, 8 a.m. to noon.

The cost for ages 12 and up is $6.

Those ages 4 to 12 may eat for $3.

Children ages 3 and under may eat for free.

Advanced sale tickets are $5.

Call 651-674-5127 for advanced sale tickets.

Irish band

East Central Regional Library is proud to present the Irish band “Ring of Kerry” on St. Patrick’s Day this year.

Ring of Kerry will be at the Pine City Elementary Auditorium March 17, 2 p.m.

This program is for all ages and is open to the public. Seating is first come, first serve and no tickets are required.

4-hour defensive driving course

The Chisago County Senior Center will be holding a four-hour defensive driving class March 19, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. This is only for those who have already taken an eight-hour class. Cost is $16 per person, payable cash or check that afternoon. Participants must preregister: 651-674-8658.

Book club meeting

The Wyoming Area Library will host a discussion about Kent Haruf’s book “Plainsong” March 21, 7 p.m. in the community room. Copies of the book are available at the library’s front desk.

College financial aid workshop

To assist students in preparing and applying for financial aid, Pine Technical College will host a Minnesota College Goal workshop event, March. 27, 3:30 p.m. PTC financial aid staff members will provide professional assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as helpful information about additional methods for paying for college such as loans, scholarships, and more.

For more information about PTC’s programs, including information regarding how to apply, or for more information about financial aid and the March 27 workshop, call 320-629-5100.

Peer and family support group

A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets weekly in Cambridge. The free group is sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota. Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. The group meets Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., at Cambridge Medical Center, 701 S. Dellwood Street, in the administrative conference room. For more information, contact Louise at 651-592-6989. A family support group also meets at the same time and location to help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. For information, call Sarah 320-396-0443.